Reports on new battery jump-start A123 — and not a moment too soon

The machines that turn out the current generation of batteries at A123 Systems' plant in Livonia.

Talk to any advanced-battery expert, and they will tell you: The current generation of lithium-ion technology is not fit to launch the electric vehicle revolution.

The batteries are too expensive, they require large and expensive thermal management systems and often fail under extreme temperatures — a la the explosion at General Motors' Warren Tech Center in March or the Fisker Karma that died during a Consumer Reports test.

Both of which were A123 Systems batteries.

But the struggling battery maker, with its major U.S. plant in Livonia, today announced a new chemistry designed to rectify at least some of the problems with the nascent industry's product.

The Waltham, Mass.-based firm unveiled a nanophosphate lithium-ion battery called nanophosphate EXT, which A123 says is capable of operating at extreme temperatures.

The technology was independently tested at — sorry, Wolverines — Ohio State University by the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, according to a release by A123.

A123 expects the battery to deliver a 20 percent increase in power at temperatures as low as minus 22 degrees — ask any Nissan Leaf owner how cold weather affects their range.

Battery capacity is significantly reduced over time under extreme heat, and A123 says this new technology is capable of retaining 90 percent of its initial capacity after 2,000 charges at 113 degrees.

The battery maker also claims a longer life for the battery — 10 times longer than traditional lead acid batteries.

As it has already been reported by TheNew York Timesand a host of others this morning, the success of this chemistry may well determine the fate of A123 after months of epic slip-ups.

The aforementioned incident at GM and a massive recall linked to a welding machine at its Livonia plant devastated A123's stock and, in some circles, its reputation.

The recall cost an already bleeding A123 more than $66 million and nearly stopped its automotive battery production in Livonia. A123 recorded a net loss of $125 million last quarter. The company isn't expected to turn a profit until late 2013.

A123 raised $50 million last month, but it needs more to survive. It's that simple, folks.

And while analysts remain skeptical of its survival — A123 even questioned its own survival in an SEC filing last month — its executives remain optimistic.

"We believe nanophosphate EXT is a game-changing breakthrough that overcomes key limitations of lead acid, standard lithium-ion and other advanced batteries, CEO David Vieau said in a statement. "We continue to emphasize innovation with a commercial purpose, and we expect nanophosphate EXT to strengthen our competitive position in existing target markets as well as create new opportunities for applications."

A123 is even hiring 400 workers at its Livonia and Romulus plants, returning to peak workforce numbers that existed before its problems.

Jason Forcier, vice president of its automotive solution group, said A123's funding problems are a "bump in the road." He believes the company will not only survive but grow with new and existing technology.

"We continue to do advanced research," he said. "If lithium-air or some other new technology is the way to go, then you'll see us innovating in those areas.

"We've taken a lot of heat over the years, but we're fighters," Forcier said.

Let's hope A123 is a fighter — a heavyweight, in fact. Because without additional funding or a slew of new contracts, it's future is indeed questionable.

And despite receiving a $249 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, I wouldn't expect government intervention in the midst of a heated presidential race.

Despite its stock dropping nearly 26 percent on the year, investors are responding to today's announcement. A123 shares are up more than 13 percent to $1.18 in early morning trading — a glimmer of hope in the murky depths of the lithium-ion industry.

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